Butler basketball coach Brad Stevens had the opportunity to check out his team with the Bulldogs' first practice Friday.

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Two weeks from today, Butler's Bulldogs play a college basketball exhibition against Marian. In less than a month, they open against Elon. Then it's Marquette in an elite Maui Invitational field Nov. 19-21.

Not exactly easing into the season, are they?

"Gotta get there more quickly," coach Brad Stevens said Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse after the first formal day of practice. "Last year, it took too long; there was too much inconsistency." ...